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Richard Licandro

August 4, 1942 — April 6, 2023

Richard “Rick” Licandro, 80, of Tempe, Arizona passed away peacefully on April 6 th 2023 with his children lovingly by his side.

Rick was born on August 4 th 1942 to James and Marie Licandro in Melrose, MA, but his family soon relocated to Dallas. Rick attended private Catholic school through high school when he graduated in 1960. In 1964, Rick enlisted in the Air Force. A highlight of his 4 years in the service was the time he spent fixing, flying, and training others on the flight simulator. After his honorable discharge in 1968, he enrolled in school at the University of Texas at Arlington where he earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. In 1974, Rick moved to Phoenix, AZ to pursue his engineering career and would end up working for Motorola for more than 25 years. Rick loved Arizona and it didn’t take him long to determine this was where he wanted to call home – which he did for nearly 50 years.

Rick met the love of his life in 1976, Cheryl (Fagerholt), through a mutual friend while fixing her car. The two really hit it off, married on November 24, 1978, and bought their first home together in March of 1979. The couple went on to have two children, Caryn and Mark. Anyone that met Rick and Cheryl could see what a special relationship they had, there is no question they were soulmates. They enjoyed 39 beautiful years together and were the ultimate example of a loving relationship.

Rick was a science and history guru. He loved scuba diving and had a special interest in planes and was likely one of the few people that could explain to you exactly how they worked. He loved classical music and passed an appreciation of it on to his children. Rick also had a knack for auto mechanic work and many a weekend he could be found overhauling an engine or helping friends with their projects in his home garage – something he genuinely enjoyed. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix. In his retirement years, he and Cheryl enjoyed traveling and took some memorable trips with one another including visiting Europe, cruising the rivers of Germany and the experiencing the Panama Canal.

Rick was an incredible husband, father, grandfather and friend. But perhaps his biggest accomplishment in life was being a father. Mark and Caryn always looked up to their dad. He was an incredible teacher and taught them to enjoy every moment life has to offer. He always put others first and even those that didn’t know him well spoke of his kind nature and soft heart. His smile would light up the room.

Rick was preceded in death by his dear wife, Cheryl Licandro and parents James and Marie. He is survived by his daughter Caryn (Owen) Shaw, son Mark (Breonna) Licandro, grandsons Tyson and Clay Shaw, granddaughter Kinsley Licandro, sister Elise (Mike) Lakey and brothers Robert (Clara) Licandro and Jim (Lauren) Licandro.

A private service will be held for Rick with his immediate family. He will be laid to rest in North Dakota with his sweetheart. In lieu of flowers, we ask that any memorials be made to the Hoople, North Dakota Cemetery Fund.

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